Building a desktop


Recommended Posts

Okay, so ive decided to leap into building a desktop for fun hehe..

Im pretty much understanding a lot, but the whole GPU ballpark is wild and I believe with the help of Neowin, I can decided what I will need.

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K Ivy Bridge 3.5GHz (link)

Motherboard: ASRock P67 EXTREME4 GEN3 (link) **Also is this mobo suitable for SSDs?

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (link)

Thats all ive gotten too...

From what I read, in the GPU im looking for (since my motherboard will be able to support it):

Interface: PCIe 3.0 x16

Im leaning towards NVidia with the capability for SLI

Max memory (for now): 2GB

Memory interface: 256bit

Directx11 support

HMDI port at least one (not a mini)

I need assistance finding one fitting those criterias, im sure others can enlighten more so on what I need to focus on... Gah im just so lost when trying to shop for a GPU...

EDIT: Also could someone dumb down the whole combo cooling option to me thats available on the mobo?? Is it saying I can use smaller or larger fans?

ReEdit: Ive found this GPU which looks nice (link) - Galaxy 67NPH6DV5ZJX GeForce GTX 670 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1138390-building-a-desktop/
Share on other sites

Have you already bought the motherboard?

You've bought an overclocking CPU but you didn't list the correct motherboard type. You need a z77 series, really, so you can overclock and have a BIOS that has a decent feature set to support the CPU.

For the GPU, look at GTX 670 or 7950/70s from ATi.

Havent bought anything yet and the motherboard is compatiable with the CPU 0.o

And honestly probably not looking into overclocking it, will let it do what it does; even if I do it wont be a far push.

Forgot to mention I will be using this desktop as a gaming module.

For games like Skyrim, Crysis, Starcraft, etc...

Could you explain exactly what you are saying?

Are you just saying the z77 is better because of the options for overclocking and thats it, or is there other apparent reasons?

Edit: im looking at the z77 right now, its nice

ReEDIT: Big problem here bud, you gave me a board I cant use a dedicated GPU on; at least thats what I thought when they say "Supported only by CPU with integrated graphic"

Yep, and that doesn't mean you can't install a dedicated GPU (in fact all reviews for that motherboard include a dedicated GPU).

Note: That motherboard also comes with a feature that allows the OS to switch to the dedicated GPU on a need by need basis - when you are in the desktop and doing light stuff, the integrated GPU in the CPU is in use, when you need to play something or load a GPU heavy tool, the dedicated GPU kicks in (disclaimer: I am not sure how good this works because I never tried it)

Yep, and that doesn't mean you can't install a dedicated GPU (in fact all reviews for that motherboard include a dedicated GPU).

Note: That motherboard also comes with a feature that allows the OS to switch to the dedicated GPU on a need by need basis - when you are in the desktop and doing light stuff, the integrated GPU in the CPU is in use, when you need to play something or load a GPU heavy tool, the dedicated GPU kicks in (disclaimer: I am not sure how good this works because I never tried it)

Ahh okay, my roommate has a custom desktop and he said it has that technology; havent actually checked if it works good.. Im sure someone will confirm if it does or not and okay well thanks for that clearup as I was confused by those words above!

Edit: Wow after reading more into it, Wakers was right. That motherboard definately fits my style especially with the stuff I want to do later down the road..

Im liking this mobo!

Only thing is the bios is about the same as the motherboard I posted. And for $100 dollars more is it worth to have the ability like quoted above??

Another question tied to that is.. ACPI 1.1 is in the one I listed and ACPI 2.0a is the one Wakers suggested.. Power efficiency-wise, will it matter??

Havent bought anything yet and the motherboard is compatiable with the CPU 0.o

And honestly probably not looking into overclocking it, will let it do what it does; even if I do it wont be a far push.

Forgot to mention I will be using this desktop as a gaming module.

For games like Skyrim, Crysis, Starcraft, etc...

If the PC is for gaming, don't waste money on the i7. Get an i5 3570K (if you plan on overclocking) and put the difference towards a 7970. You'll get better performance in games this way.

As for the mobo, try to go with the latest chipset unless the price difference is big.

How is it 100$ more? A decent z77 should cost $100 on its own?

Are you using pcparticker.com?

EDIT:

Ah, you went for a Sabertooth. That's too far towards the high end, especially if you're not overclocking. Look at ASRocks Extreme 4 or 6, or Gigabyte's competing model.

Ive asked you question regarding this mobo and you have yet to answer them, I dont see a major difference enough to get the z77 over the mobo I choose already. Ive tried to read up, but its all very simliliar to the mobo I choose, except that it is newer. Also that website does not exist.. And which z77 are you talking about?? A link to newegg or tiger direct would be preferable.

If the PC is for gaming, don't waste money on the i7. Get an i5 3570K (if you plan on overclocking) and put the difference towards a 7970. You'll get better performance in games this way.

As for the mobo, try to go with the latest chipset unless the price difference is big.

Hmmm could you explain to me why for the i5? Im not doubting you, I just prefer to hear some reasoning behind something suggested. It would seem feasible since its about $100 cheaper lol! Hmm they dont seem to have a 7970 that is 2GB PCIe 3 x16, if you could link to me one almost fitting the criteria above??

Reedit: Your answer would be Hyper-Threading, do I need it? Answer is no, so im going with the i5! Thanks mate you saved me $100

So im going to go with Luc2k's advice and bump down (well its not a bump down IMO lol) to the i5-3570K and getting this GPU instead (link).

The GPU is a

SAPPHIRE 100351SR Radeon HD 7970 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card OC with Boost

compared to a

Galaxy 67NPH6DV5ZJX GeForce GTX 670 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

IMO that GPU is far more superior than the one I choose originally and only for $50 more.

Im still searching on a motherboard, but im quite content with the ASRock one above. I just need some answers to my questions above and I think I will be in good shape.

EDIT: Forget everything I said about the motherboard. Im going for this motherboard (link), a GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD4H.

Cooling is also now a major concern or should it be? I live in Colorado Springs if that makes any difference?

Hmmm could you explain to me why for the i5? Im not doubting you, I just prefer to hear some reasoning behind something suggested. It would seem feasible since its about $100 cheaper lol! Hmm they dont seem to have a 7970 that is 2GB PCIe 3 x16, if you could link to me one almost fitting the criteria above??

Reedit: Your answer would be Hyper-Threading, do I need it? Answer is no, so im going with the i5! Thanks mate you saved me $100

Sorry, post was in a bit of a haste. Basically i7's advantage is very small, certainly not worth the price premium when it come to games. Any review will basically tell you this, but here's a quick comparison in any case. There's other things than HT going for the i7, but they don't make much difference, if any at all, for games.

As for the GPU, here's a round-up of the main 7970 cards in case you're curious.

Yes I did exactly what you suggested and saw the i5 was very nice for $100 cheaper. Once again thanks.

Yes im getting the sapphire it looks oh so lovely!

Here is what my build will consist of:

CPU

Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz BX80637I53570K - $229.99

___________________________________________________________

----------------

Motherboards

----------------

GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD4H - $164.99 | ATX Form: 12.0" x 9.6"

----------------

GPUs

----------------

SAPPHIRE 100351SR Radeon HD 7970 3GB - 409.99

----------------

Cooling

----------------

N/A yet..

----------------

Harddrives

----------------

At least a 2TB SATA for now

----------------

Memory

----------------

CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10 - $99.99

----------------

Power Supplies

----------------

975W Gaming Fan Quiet ATX Power Supply SATA 12V - $64.59

----------------

Tower

----------------

In Win BUC - $110

For RAM, get a CL9 version without the huge radiator, unless you want that for aesthetics. As for case, I like the simple Fractal Design (there's other colours), although the the BUC is around 35% off overall right now.

I already decided on the Buc for the case, fits my taste and has what I need.

Ive been reading about the CL and does it really matter? How do I know what mine is? Is it a CL10 because of the 10 at the end? Im a tad confused on why it would matter

Ive been reading about the CL and does it really matter? How do I know what mine is? Is it a CL10 because of the 10 at the end? Im a tad confused on why it would matter

You can usually deduce the specs from the product code. On Newegg they're the same price, so why not go for the faster one (even if there's not much of a difference).

If you want to shave off another few bucks, give this mobo some consideration:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837

There's not exactly any advantages I can see besides price, but I personally like Asus above any other mobo company. I can't speak for the Gigabyte one, but this Asus one has a really nice UEFI (bios) layout and has a bunch of overclocking presets, which makes it extremely easy. I OC'd my i7 to over 4Ghz with no issues and also ran SLI with no issues. Easily the best mobo I've ever owned. Just a bit of personal experience for you. :)

You can usually deduce the specs from the product code. On Newegg they're the same price, so why not go for the faster one (even if there's not much of a difference).

So, what is better? Obviously lower lag, but yeah..

If you want to shave off another few bucks, give this mobo some consideration:

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813131837

There's not exactly any advantages I can see besides price, but I personally like Asus above any other mobo company. I can't speak for the Gigabyte one, but this Asus one has a really nice UEFI (bios) layout and has a bunch of overclocking presets, which makes it extremely easy. I OC'd my i7 to over 4Ghz with no issues and also ran SLI with no issues. Easily the best mobo I've ever owned. Just a bit of personal experience for you. :)

I looked at that board as well (was one of the six), it lacked some spots I need such as the PCIe 3 slots (mine has 3, that one has 2). Who knows though man im going to look into the one you posted more, well more so keep it as an option (thanks).

And ive looked at the Asus' mobos and the prices isnt just enough for me to go get it. I honestly dont want to pay for the GB one, but it has the latest chipset and exactly what I need.it for.

Ive been reading about the CL and does it really matter? How do I know what mine is? Is it a CL10 because of the 10 at the end? Im a tad confused on why it would matter

the link in your first post is for CAS9 RAM. Usually the lower the better , but it doesn't really matter. It might make a small miniscule difference, but you'll only see that in benchmarks. In real world usage, there isn't a lick of a difference. I always buy whatever is cheapest,and I make sure its 1.5V,because the DDR3 spec calls for that,and that's how you know the RAM is good(unless its O/C'd like 2400). The ram you chose is perfectly suitable, one that I would've picked.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • I don't believe them that anyone using threads, at least meaningfully. It's the same thing for Facebook, people just don't engage with Meta platforms like they are thinking. This isn't 2006.
    • Not taking AI slop on the go with me, hard pass for me.
    • Same Internet Archive seemed to grab the new version https://web.archive.org/web/20...d/Setup_MakeMKV_v1.18.4.exe Here's the link to an additional file it periodically downloads https://web.archive.org/web/20260213092148/https://www.makemkv.com/sdf.bin I think update's keys, etc. To manually trigger this update, put the sdf.bin file in the root of where the program is installed. When you launch the program it will pick up the file and import it. Typically put it here: C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV\sdf.bin
    • Windows 11 KB5094126, KB5093998 bugging out Office apps but it may not be Microsoft's fault by Sayan Sen Microsoft last week released Windows 11 KB5094126 and KB5093998 as the latest Patch Tuesday updates. Following that the company also published the accompanying dynamic updates under KB5094149, KB5095971, and KB5094156. Although the tech giant did not acknowledge any major problems, some users online reported various issues ranging from OneDrive and Dropbox access problems, BitLocker recovery lockouts, to blue screens and BSODs. You can read about them in this dedicated piece. While there is still no confirmation about those problems from Microsoft the company has admitted to another bug which we did not report on. The tech giant has confirmed it has received reports of an issue in which certain third-party applications may be unable to launch Microsoft Office apps or open Office documents after installing the Patch Tuesday. This affects both Windows 11 as well as Windows 10. The company says the problem impacts a subset of applications that rely on OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) automation to communicate with Microsoft Office programs. According to Microsoft, affected scenarios involve third-party software attempting to open Office applications or documents from within their own interface. In such cases, the Office program may fail to launch altogether, or the requested document may not open. Oddly there may not be any error message, which probably makes the issue difficult to diagnose. The bug affects several Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and other apps in the Microsoft Office suite when they are launched through the affected software. These include tax and accounting software such as CCH Engagement and Workpaper Manager, dental practice management solutions like Dentrix and Softdent, as well as the popular research and reference management tool Zotero. Microsoft adds that other applications using similar Office integration methods could also experience the same problematic behavior. To understand the issue it is important to look at OLE, the Microsoft technology involved. OLE allows different applications to work together and share data, while its Automation feature lets one program control another. Thus this enables third-party software to launch Microsoft Office apps, open documents, and perform tasks automatically without requiring users to switch between programs. Because many accounting, healthcare, research, and business applications rely on OLE automation to interact with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office apps, any disruption can break those workflows. As a result, affected software may be unable to open Office documents or launch Office applications even though the programs themselves continue to work normally. At the moment the company has not provided a permanent fix though it has confirmed that engineers are actively working on a resolution, which will be delivered through a future Windows update. As such additional details will be shared once more information becomes available. In the meantime, Microsoft recommends a simple workaround for affected users whic is to open the Office application or document directly rather than launching it through the third-party program. For enterprise customers and organizations managing larger deployments, Microsoft says an additional mitigation is available. Admins experiencing the problem on their managed devices are advised to contact Microsoft Support for business to obtain and apply the workaround.
    • It saddens me when cars are such dull colours now. Mine is bright metallic blue and I absolutely adore it for standing out in contrast to that depressing backdrop of traffic.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Reacting Well
      Dys Topia earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Conversation Starter
      NovaEdgeX earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • One Year In
      Console General earned a badge
      One Year In
    • Week One Done
      Twozo Technologies earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Twozo Technologies earned a badge
      One Month Later
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      517
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      184
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      106
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      88
    5. 5
      ATLien_0
      68
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!